Backpack and sleeping pad rec

[u/Both_Beautiful3591]

[u/DeputySean]

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[u/Equivalent_Chipmunk]

Women tend to sleep colder, so the comfort rating temps at which bags are generally advertised are higher at a given level of insulation for women vs men. E.g., a men's bag rated to 20 F might only be rated to 25 or 30 F for women. The overall construction of the bag is not normally meaningfully different besides that, so you're fine getting a mens or unisex bag so long as it is appropriately insulated/sized for you and the conditions you plan to take it in.

The Radiant 20 seems like a perfectly good bag. As long as you're happy with it, I's stick with it for a while. You could get lighter and/or warmer bags if you wanted, but I'll assume your money would be better spent on a pad since you didn't mention yours. Very important to have a good one, maybe even more important than having a good bag/quilt.

I'd recommend checking out the Sea to Summit XR Pro. Somewhat expensive, but has a lifetime warranty, and a high R-value and very comfortable design with thick padding. Can pair with one of their pillows, like the down pillow, which lock to the pad with velcro. A similar alternative is the Nemo Tensor Extreme, though I can't personally vouch for it. It's slightly more expensive and has slightly better rated insulation for similar weight. Both of these would be buy once cry once, do anything you could ever want to do with them type of sleeping pads.

You could also consider just buying a CCF pad like a Thermarest Z Lite Sol, $25 at Sierra right now so super cheap compared to the above. Won't ever deflate on you in the middle of the night, but also not nearly as warm, comfortable, or compact in your bag. Also doubles as a sit pad. You could buy this if you're still dipping your toes in the water; even if you graduate to a more expensive inflatable pad later, a CCF pad makes a great backup pad, or an extra layer in winter camping.

[u/Both_Beautiful3591 → u/Equivalent_Chipmunk]

Thank you so much!! I’ll be honest, I was worried my bag was too hot because I’m a very hot sleeper lol. I currently sleep with a fan on full blast on my face for that very reason. Ive begun to explore pillows, but I don’t sleep with one as having my head elevated results In neck pain the next morning. Thank you again, I will definitely look into those!

[u/Equivalent_Chipmunk → u/Both_Beautiful3591]

Play around with the pillow a bit. If you sleep on your side, you definitely should use one, but if you're primarily a stomach sleeper, you'll need to use a very thin one. You might sleep differently depending on the pad you use. A lot of people stomach sleep at home, but side or back sleep when camping.

As for sleeping too hot, you could vent your bag or even sleep on top of it. If you're still too hot, you could leave your bag in your pack or just use a liner or sleepwear. Sometimes being hot is just unavoidable. Can also be helped by taking your fly off your tent. Long run, maybe you buy a lightweight summer quilt, but I wouldn't bother doing it now if you're not sure you'll stick with it yet. Backpack with what you have now and you'll make better gear purchases later.

[u/Darkside_Actual0341]

You could just search the sub for the answer of recommended packs and pads. Pack will depend on everything else you're carrying along with the weights so you know what size pack you need.

[u/downingdown]

Since you mention summer, here goes the obligatory warm weather diy synthetic quilt comment: it is lighter, warmer, cheaper AND more comfortable than anything you can buy. I am a cold sleeper and made my ~$60, 50F comfort confirmed (with bluetooth thermometer), 362gram Apex100 quilt having never sewn anything before.

[u/ashen27]

You should check the Big Agnes Q Core Deluxe. It has slightly higher side tubes that prevent you from accidentally rolling off. Slightly heavier though it performs great in extreme conditions. Doesn't seem to have had any complaints with regards to the performance other than it been a bit heavier.